The European market for refurbished and used smartphones faces a pivotal moment as industry stakeholders and regulators clash over upcoming compliance requirements. Italy’s ANDEC Confcommercio, an association representing consumer electronics importers and producers, has issued a strong appeal for adherence to USB-C and CE certification mandates, set to take effect on 28 December 2024. These standards form part of the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive aimed at reducing e-waste through a universal charging solution.
ANDEC’s call for compliance and fairness
ANDEC asserts that sustainability cannot serve as a pretext for diluting quality and safety standards. It emphasizes that strict enforcement of these regulations is essential for a transparent and equitable market. Such measures not only protect consumers but also foster innovation, the association argues. ANDEC has urged Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development (MIMIT) to address challenges posed by non-compliant imports and to reinforce customs checks.
Challenges in the secondary smartphone market
The refurbished device sector is a cornerstone of the circular economy, helping to reduce electronic waste. However, the industry grapples with inconsistent standards, vague terminology, and heavy reliance on non-compliant imports, creating hurdles for legitimate players. ANDEC highlights the need for clearer definitions, harmonized standards, and stricter marketplace oversight to counteract these systemic issues.
Earlier pushback against the USB-C directive
Industry voices have also raised concerns about the USB-C mandate. In June 2024, over 50 organizations, including Back Market, Refurbed, Flip, Dipli and Swappie, petitioned the EU to delay USB-C requirements for second-hand devices. They argue that the directive disproportionately affects the secondary market by prematurely excluding older, non-USB-C models. According to CCS Insight, this could remove 8 million units from the European market in 2025, representing € 2 billion in sales, and inadvertently push consumers toward buying new devices, undermining sustainability goals.
A balancing act for sustainability and innovation
As the EU seeks to align regulatory compliance with sustainability, the debate underscores the complexity of balancing environmental priorities with market realities. ANDEC and industry leaders advocate for pragmatic solutions, including phased implementation and distinctions between new and second-hand devices, to protect the refurbished sector while advancing Europe’s e-waste reduction objectives.
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